‘12 Years A Slave’ Director Has Wellesley Connection

Before British director Steve McQueen was an Academy Award winner, he was part of the Wellesley community.

The “12 Years A Slave” director was the Davis Museum’s artist in residence in 2004 at Wellesley College. Back then, McQueen was known as one of the “leading young international contemporary video and filmmakers.”

Last Sunday, McQueen accepted the Best Picture Oscar for “12 Years A Slave.” The film also netted Academy Awards for Best Supporting Actress (Lupita Nyong'o) and Best Adapted Screenplay (the memoir of Solomon Northup).

In his acceptance speech, McQueen said, “Everyone deserves not just to survive but to live. This is the most important legacy of Solomon Northup."

While in Wellesley, the young filmmaker presented several films at the Davis Museum, including: Drumroll, Prey and Exodus.